The Garda authorities inform me that the areas policed directly from Ballyfermot Garda station include Chapelizod, Belgrove, Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard, Kylemore Park/Industrial Estate, Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate, Palmerstown, Oak Court, Gallonstown, Raheen and Elmdale.
The current strength at Ballyfermot station is 81 members, any one of whom may be deployed on foot in uniform at any time. There are usually at least five gardaí on foot patrol duties in the district at any one time. This is supplemented by five members who are assigned full time to community policing duties. The Garda authorities also inform me that there are six Garda cars, one Garda van and two Garda motorcyles assigned to Ballyfermot station.
The Drug Unit at Ballyfermot consists of one sergeant and five gardaí who have been specially selected and trained for this work. All gardaí attached to Ballyfermot are kept briefed on a continuous basis in relation to drug and vandalism problems in the area. The gardaí at Ballyfermot deal with such situations by way of foot and mobile patrols, covert surveillance and other appropriate measures. The Garda authorities also inform me that the gardaí based at Ballyfermot are supported by the Divisional Task Force and the Central Drugs Unit from Harcourt Square who are regularly active in the area.
